Countdown to Vivid Sydney 2017: Tips for Visitors

Today is the day! Vivid Sydney 2017 kicks off today, May 26, and continues until 17 June. For those planning to visit, the event organisers have suggested these handy tips for getting the most out of your visit:

Visit early in the week

Monday to Wednesday are quieter compared to Friday and Saturday.

Visit early in the evening

Experience the wonders of Vivid Sydney when the lights go on at 6pm. Its lights on at 5.30pm at Chatswood and Taronga Zoo – ideal for taking in the lights, grabbing an early dinner and getting the family home for bedtime.

Visit more times for more fun

It’s impossible to see everything in one night. Plan your visit and travel to different precincts on different days.

On the city side, Barangaroo (South) and nearby Darling Harbour could be done in one night. Arrive by train at Wynyard, take the Wynyard Walk tunnel straight to Barangaroo (South) to experience Trapdoor and A Day in the Light, before journeying past the Australian National Maritime Museum which will be illuminated with the projection Inspire By the Sea, then arriving at the spectacular water theatre spectacle Magicians in the Mist.

On the north side, Chatswood and Taronga Zoo are best done in separate visits. Send the kids ‘back to the future’ to learn about the steam punk era at Chatswood and grab dinner from one of the many food offerings. Head to the Zoo on another night to see giant animal multimedia light sculptures and make the most of one of the Lights for the Wild sessions. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Visit by public transport

Leave the car at home (extensive road closures will be in place). Take advantage of extra bus and train services during the festival instead.

Get an ID wristband for children

Visit a Vivid Information Booth and get an ID wristband for children. Wristbands are available at Darling Harbour, Customs House & West Circular Quay. Add your contact number and put them on your children’s wrists to make it easy to be reunited should you be separated at any time. Be sure to keep an eye out for Vivid Sydney’s friendly army of volunteers in their bright pink jackets, they can answer any questions or point you in the right direction.

Visit prepared

Planning your visit beforehand is simple with precinct and accessibility maps, transport options and activities available at vividsydney.com or through the festival smartphone app.

Brian travels often, but to the same locations for work and to see family. Like many self-employed (and self-funded) business travellers, he travels economy but has picked up a few tricks to make the experience nearly as enjoyable as flying at the pointy end.

Economy Traveller is your well-travelled friend, having flown hundreds of flights and hundreds of thousands of miles. We hope to share what we have found to make economy class travel not only bearable, but safe, comfortable and fun!
We strive to remain independent and unbiased so that you know you can trust us. All travel is self-funded unless otherwise noted in our reviews.